Distance: 2.75 miles
Start time: 6 pm
Run Duration: 30 minutes
Average Pace: 10.9 minutes/mile
Temperature: Climate controlled...comfortable
Humidity: comfortable
Location: Houston, TX
I wanted to get in one more run. I'm supposed to do an easy run this week, 30 minutes. Blah...
Running's not easy anymore. I'm tired of running. January 17th can't come soon enough.
I'm throwing a party tonight and I had a couple hours between cooking and putting my pretty on. I ran. OK, it's done.
Oh, just one thing. Whoever invented the zipper-in-the-back-of-the-dress thing should be punished. Severely. Single gals suffer.
Tomorrow is a new year. My guests are on the way. Happy happy, people!
Thursday, December 31, 2009
Wednesday, December 30, 2009
Top Five Quotes From 2009
I didn’t pay for any of these. About three years ago (when I started taking the task of writing as seriously as I’ve ever taken the task of writing), I began offering people five dollars for phrases and sentences that I anticipated stealing and working into my own words later on. I figured if I paid for the words of others it wouldn’t be actual plagiarism, or at least I’d tell my word-victims that it wasn’t stealing and then I’d be off Scot-free.
About three years ago, people actually took my money. I think I doled out about forty bucks over several months and then friends and family started reading my stuff and stopped taking my money. I don’t know if they thought I was that good and they were happy to be part of something grand or if they thought I was that awful and they felt sorry for me. I offered cash as recently as last week. It was declined.
Here are some words that stood out for me this year.
#5. “I don’t care what you think. We’ll save money and it will look just fine if we only paint the front of the trailer and leave the sides alone.” Overheard at the next table at breakfast – Carnival Ecstasy Halloween Cruise.
#4. “Hello, I’m Satan.” Same cruise. The guy had a great Halloween costume and persona going. An entire cruise ship seemed to be enticed by him. Unfortunately his name was really Tim. He was from Dickenson and he wasn’t quite as fascinating in his cargo shorts and flipflops.
#3. “It’s four ten-to-twelve hour days. Of course you’ll be working on your days off, too. That’s a given.” Let’s just say we’re “living in difficult economic times”. D’oh! That’s three and a half quotes!
#2. “Drop a deuce! You can do it!” Trivial Pursuit with my family was hilarious as my Dad kept trying to get the guys to roll a two.
#1. ***“I love you.”
Please feel free to add your own. I’m not paying for them. I’d just like to read them.
***Did you expect me to expand on this? Not here, not now.
About three years ago, people actually took my money. I think I doled out about forty bucks over several months and then friends and family started reading my stuff and stopped taking my money. I don’t know if they thought I was that good and they were happy to be part of something grand or if they thought I was that awful and they felt sorry for me. I offered cash as recently as last week. It was declined.
Here are some words that stood out for me this year.
#5. “I don’t care what you think. We’ll save money and it will look just fine if we only paint the front of the trailer and leave the sides alone.” Overheard at the next table at breakfast – Carnival Ecstasy Halloween Cruise.
#4. “Hello, I’m Satan.” Same cruise. The guy had a great Halloween costume and persona going. An entire cruise ship seemed to be enticed by him. Unfortunately his name was really Tim. He was from Dickenson and he wasn’t quite as fascinating in his cargo shorts and flipflops.
#3. “It’s four ten-to-twelve hour days. Of course you’ll be working on your days off, too. That’s a given.” Let’s just say we’re “living in difficult economic times”. D’oh! That’s three and a half quotes!
#2. “Drop a deuce! You can do it!” Trivial Pursuit with my family was hilarious as my Dad kept trying to get the guys to roll a two.
#1. ***“I love you.”
Please feel free to add your own. I’m not paying for them. I’d just like to read them.
***Did you expect me to expand on this? Not here, not now.
Tuesday, December 29, 2009
5 Mile Tuesday
Distance: 5 miles
Start time: 5:30 am
Run Duration: 56 minutes
Average Pace: 11.2 minutes/mile
Temperature: Climate controlled...comfortable
Humidity: comfortable
Location: Houston, TX
Oh, this fitness facility is much better! First time at my new place. Nice treadmills (as treadmills go, I'm still not a fan), clean carpets, individual televisions with audio jacks so I can listen to what I want to (CNN not FOX). I like it!
It would have been nice to go to the park this morning, but it's only 36 degrees out and it's supposed to start drizzling. Not the pleasant run I had in mind. I'll try to get that one in later in the week. The big run is just around the corner in mid-January. I was thinking of buying some new shoes and thought, nah...I'll just let these get me through.
I hope all who read this have a great day. Lately I've learned that many more read than I knew. To all you stealth readers, thanks for giving me a glance once in awhile. To those who comment, thanks for stoking the fires of my ego. :)
Start time: 5:30 am
Run Duration: 56 minutes
Average Pace: 11.2 minutes/mile
Temperature: Climate controlled...comfortable
Humidity: comfortable
Location: Houston, TX
Oh, this fitness facility is much better! First time at my new place. Nice treadmills (as treadmills go, I'm still not a fan), clean carpets, individual televisions with audio jacks so I can listen to what I want to (CNN not FOX). I like it!
It would have been nice to go to the park this morning, but it's only 36 degrees out and it's supposed to start drizzling. Not the pleasant run I had in mind. I'll try to get that one in later in the week. The big run is just around the corner in mid-January. I was thinking of buying some new shoes and thought, nah...I'll just let these get me through.
I hope all who read this have a great day. Lately I've learned that many more read than I knew. To all you stealth readers, thanks for giving me a glance once in awhile. To those who comment, thanks for stoking the fires of my ego. :)
Monday, December 28, 2009
This Is Training?
12/24/09
Distance: 4.8 miles
Start time: 5:00 am
Run Duration: 52 minutes
Average Pace: 10.8 minutes/mile
Temperature: Climate controlled...comfortable
Humidity: comfortable
Location: Hotel Lucia, Portland, OR
12/25/09
Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 6:00 am
Run Duration: 30 minutes
Average Pace: 10 minutes/mile
Temperature: Climate controlled...comfortable
Humidity: comfortable
Location: Hotel Lucia, Portland, OR
I returned to Houston after midnight last night. Long flight from Portland after almost 5 days of fantastic family time. I say "almost" because travel gobbled up part of those days, but our family knows how to eek out every bit of together-time.
My daughter met me at the airport Wednesday and we were off, enjoying a quick bite to eat, a little thriftshop browsing and then I checked in at the Hotel Lucia, a lovely boutique hotel in Portland. My father also stayed there so he and I were able to hang out a bit while were resting up or waiting for others to come to town. My son and his fiance were caught in the massive storm that stalled air traffic for an entire day. Our family simply postponed Christmas dinner and ate at midnight on the 25th when the weary travelers arrived. (It was a delicious dinner, by the way.)
I managed to get miles in, on the treadmill. I'd hoped to run near the river in Portland, but it was quite cold with highs in the 30's and I had no clue as to my directions there. I was sure I'd get lost and end up as a popsicle in running shoes. Better to stick with the perfectly adequate fitness center at the hotel.
Good thing I put in the miles. In addition to the wonderful meals my daughter cooked, AND a brunch out with the family, yesterday morning we all went to Voodoo Doughnuts. I'm pretty sure a Maple Bacon Log doesn't sit on the training tables of most serious athletes. Maybe my diet was lacking a bit while I was in Portland. The love I felt and the laughter more than made up for it. I'm certain of that.
Lifting up gratitude for my family.
Tuesday, December 22, 2009
Beginning
My friend Matt said I'm amazing. I prefer to say I'm motivated. My new place is put together. Moved in on Wednesday. Pictures hung today. I have a large blank wall that is begging for art. Make that ART. I have a piece in mind, but I've spent way too much money lately. I'm about to spend more as Christmas approaches this week. The artist I've discovered isn't going anywhere - that I know of. She'll be around. She's good, about to make her mark and I want to snag something while she's still an investment.
I can't stand to live in disarray. I'm sure the desire to be settled springs from living in a chaotic household as a child. My brothers and I spent a good deal of the time raising ourselves. It wasn't anyone's fault, it just was the way it was. Our mom had to work and in those days it wasn't unusual for children to be home alone, no matter how young. At least that's the way we knew it. If one of us fell ill, we took care of it. If an injury occured, we damned well better take care of it. Disruptions in routine weren't appreciated. We became quite good at settling things down - for each other. I've learned (as an adult) that I don't need to handle every little disaster that comes along - especially for other people, but I still get antsy and uncomfortable around chaos. I'm afraid I'll get in some sort of trouble. Pathologic? Probably. I make it work.
I'm very happy that I've made this new place work. It's not the townhouse I wanted. No way I'm going to purchase when I have no idea if bonus is coming. Times are tough, or so I keep hearing. This is, however, a very nice place for me to be.
My friend Matt (and my other friends) keep telling me I deserve it. They say I've worked very hard and I should spend the money on a place that makes me comfortable, that reflects my sense of self. Well, I've certainly done that. Here's to being comfortable. Cheers!
I can't stand to live in disarray. I'm sure the desire to be settled springs from living in a chaotic household as a child. My brothers and I spent a good deal of the time raising ourselves. It wasn't anyone's fault, it just was the way it was. Our mom had to work and in those days it wasn't unusual for children to be home alone, no matter how young. At least that's the way we knew it. If one of us fell ill, we took care of it. If an injury occured, we damned well better take care of it. Disruptions in routine weren't appreciated. We became quite good at settling things down - for each other. I've learned (as an adult) that I don't need to handle every little disaster that comes along - especially for other people, but I still get antsy and uncomfortable around chaos. I'm afraid I'll get in some sort of trouble. Pathologic? Probably. I make it work.
I'm very happy that I've made this new place work. It's not the townhouse I wanted. No way I'm going to purchase when I have no idea if bonus is coming. Times are tough, or so I keep hearing. This is, however, a very nice place for me to be.
My friend Matt (and my other friends) keep telling me I deserve it. They say I've worked very hard and I should spend the money on a place that makes me comfortable, that reflects my sense of self. Well, I've certainly done that. Here's to being comfortable. Cheers!
Monday, December 21, 2009
Grit
Distance: 4 miles
Start time: 5:47 am
Run Duration: 38 minutes
Average Pace: 9.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 47
Humidity: 96%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I'm feeling a need to push on. I'm not sure where it's coming from or why it's there, I just know it is.
I woke at 5am, no alarm. I'd slept fairly soundly. I'm still sore but I feel better when I move. I went to the park and I ran.
The half-marathon is now less than a month away. I think I can do this. It's not going to be easy. I guess it shouldn't be.
Start time: 5:47 am
Run Duration: 38 minutes
Average Pace: 9.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 47
Humidity: 96%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I'm feeling a need to push on. I'm not sure where it's coming from or why it's there, I just know it is.
I woke at 5am, no alarm. I'd slept fairly soundly. I'm still sore but I feel better when I move. I went to the park and I ran.
The half-marathon is now less than a month away. I think I can do this. It's not going to be easy. I guess it shouldn't be.
Saturday, December 19, 2009
File This One Under Faith
Distance: 8 miles
Start time: 6:43 am
Run Duration: 86 minutes
Average Pace: 10.75 minutes/mile
Temperature: 45
Humidity: 50%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
Sometimes I have to believe - in myself, in circumstance, in others, in whatever faith tells me to believe in.
Today I am hurting so bad physically. My lower back has moved past ache into the type of pain that has me reaching not for Advil but for Arthrotec. I haven't used that prescription since I had a chostochondritis that sent me to the doctor about a year ago. I'm stifling groans as I bend and my knees protest the movement. Movement. That's what this is all about. I'm unpacking boxes. I'm bending, reaching, stretching, straining. It's great exercise, but it's different exercise and my body is telling me so.
This weekend's training schedule called for an 8 mile run. Holy baby Jesus sleeping in the manger with wise men watching and bringing gifts! How could I possibly do this?
Faith.
I believed that I could. I told myself I would set a pace at about 11 minutes/mile and get out there and do it. I did it. I feel less stiff. I'm ready to tackle the rest of these boxes. Or at least 1 or 2 of them.
Today I'm lifting up gratitude for belief in myself. (I'm not sure I can lift anything else.)
Start time: 6:43 am
Run Duration: 86 minutes
Average Pace: 10.75 minutes/mile
Temperature: 45
Humidity: 50%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
Sometimes I have to believe - in myself, in circumstance, in others, in whatever faith tells me to believe in.
Today I am hurting so bad physically. My lower back has moved past ache into the type of pain that has me reaching not for Advil but for Arthrotec. I haven't used that prescription since I had a chostochondritis that sent me to the doctor about a year ago. I'm stifling groans as I bend and my knees protest the movement. Movement. That's what this is all about. I'm unpacking boxes. I'm bending, reaching, stretching, straining. It's great exercise, but it's different exercise and my body is telling me so.
This weekend's training schedule called for an 8 mile run. Holy baby Jesus sleeping in the manger with wise men watching and bringing gifts! How could I possibly do this?
Faith.
I believed that I could. I told myself I would set a pace at about 11 minutes/mile and get out there and do it. I did it. I feel less stiff. I'm ready to tackle the rest of these boxes. Or at least 1 or 2 of them.
Today I'm lifting up gratitude for belief in myself. (I'm not sure I can lift anything else.)
Tuesday, December 15, 2009
Ending
Last night in this space.
I'm not going to sleep in my bed. I've taken it apart. The mattress and boxspring sit on the floor, the headboard and footboard balance against the wall. I laundered the sheets so I could have fresh linens to sleep on tomorrow night when I finally fall into what I anticipate will be a much deserved, deep slumber.
I'll sleep on the couch tonight.
I can't imagine that all these boxes will fit into the moving truck, but the man told me they would.
The television has been blaring in the background for hours as I clean tubs and floors and pack a few more things. I'm not paying attention to what's on the tube but I know that I won't have cable after I move. I've made the decision not to subscribe. I want to devote more time to reading and writing. Hopefully much more time to writing.
I'm happy to be leaving this place. I'm sad to be packing by myself. I had hopes that were (I'm being honest here) dashed. I dared to dream and I'm wide awake now. Not all dreams come true.
So it's time to embark on a new adventure. I'm ending this one.
Tomorrow is a beginning. I'll catch up with you when next I can log on. Take care, readers.
I'm not going to sleep in my bed. I've taken it apart. The mattress and boxspring sit on the floor, the headboard and footboard balance against the wall. I laundered the sheets so I could have fresh linens to sleep on tomorrow night when I finally fall into what I anticipate will be a much deserved, deep slumber.
I'll sleep on the couch tonight.
I can't imagine that all these boxes will fit into the moving truck, but the man told me they would.
The television has been blaring in the background for hours as I clean tubs and floors and pack a few more things. I'm not paying attention to what's on the tube but I know that I won't have cable after I move. I've made the decision not to subscribe. I want to devote more time to reading and writing. Hopefully much more time to writing.
I'm happy to be leaving this place. I'm sad to be packing by myself. I had hopes that were (I'm being honest here) dashed. I dared to dream and I'm wide awake now. Not all dreams come true.
So it's time to embark on a new adventure. I'm ending this one.
Tomorrow is a beginning. I'll catch up with you when next I can log on. Take care, readers.
Sunday, December 13, 2009
Projects
Distance: 3 miles
Start time: 12:06 pm
Run Duration: 35 minutes
Average Pace: 11.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 54
Humidity: 94%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I met my friend, Laurel, for a run/walk around the loop. We jogged a little, walked a little, jogged a little more. It's fun to be out with someone who is trying to improve her fitness regimen. It kept my mind on the moment and that's a good thing for me. I have so much going on with this move, still so many boxes to pack and it was tempting to just blow off the run today and stay buried in my apartment and pack, pack, pack.
I threw away a lot of stuff today. If I haven't used it in 6 years, I'm not going to. I've contributed to the demise of our planet, I'm afraid. I donated what I could to Goodwill and took two huge bags full to a shredding center, but I will admit that the landfill will be a little taller because of me. An artificial Christmas tree that's seen better days? Gone. Those strings of lights that I'm not willing to fiddle with to find the bad bulb? Gone. The certificates of attendance from continuing education seminars many, many years ago? I don't need them. They're outta here.
Amid all this cleaning and purging, I'm still excited about a couple of projects that are cooking on my back burner. I don't plan to get cable television hooked up at my new place. I think my mind needs some clarity and less distraction in order to put the details into place. Stay tuned!
Next week will be busy, busy, busy. It's going to take a lot to get my runs in. Fingers crossed!
Start time: 12:06 pm
Run Duration: 35 minutes
Average Pace: 11.67 minutes/mile
Temperature: 54
Humidity: 94%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I met my friend, Laurel, for a run/walk around the loop. We jogged a little, walked a little, jogged a little more. It's fun to be out with someone who is trying to improve her fitness regimen. It kept my mind on the moment and that's a good thing for me. I have so much going on with this move, still so many boxes to pack and it was tempting to just blow off the run today and stay buried in my apartment and pack, pack, pack.
I threw away a lot of stuff today. If I haven't used it in 6 years, I'm not going to. I've contributed to the demise of our planet, I'm afraid. I donated what I could to Goodwill and took two huge bags full to a shredding center, but I will admit that the landfill will be a little taller because of me. An artificial Christmas tree that's seen better days? Gone. Those strings of lights that I'm not willing to fiddle with to find the bad bulb? Gone. The certificates of attendance from continuing education seminars many, many years ago? I don't need them. They're outta here.
Amid all this cleaning and purging, I'm still excited about a couple of projects that are cooking on my back burner. I don't plan to get cable television hooked up at my new place. I think my mind needs some clarity and less distraction in order to put the details into place. Stay tuned!
Next week will be busy, busy, busy. It's going to take a lot to get my runs in. Fingers crossed!
Friday, December 11, 2009
That's a Road Trip
Distance: 4.5 miles
Start time: 1:30 pm
Run Duration: 45 minutes
Average Pace: 10 minutes/mile
Temperature: again, too freaking hot
Humidity: ?
Location: apartment complex workout room...one more time
I needed to be able to answer my pager, and emails if they should come in. They didn't and I was happy for that. I set the beast (treadmill) for 45 minutes and started running. I finished without dying. Mission accomplished.
As I calculated the miles I've run since starting my training in earnest, I wondered how far I could have gone. Texas is a big state. I knew I couldn't go all the way across Texas. Maybe I could make it to Austin? I could! The distance from my place to downtown Austin is 170 miles. I've put in more than that so far and I'll put in quite a few more before this is finished. I think for a reward - when I complete the Half Marathon - I'll take myself to that fair city for a weekend and treat myself to a nice meal and an evening of music. Decision made. Done deal.
That was easy.
Start time: 1:30 pm
Run Duration: 45 minutes
Average Pace: 10 minutes/mile
Temperature: again, too freaking hot
Humidity: ?
Location: apartment complex workout room...one more time
I needed to be able to answer my pager, and emails if they should come in. They didn't and I was happy for that. I set the beast (treadmill) for 45 minutes and started running. I finished without dying. Mission accomplished.
As I calculated the miles I've run since starting my training in earnest, I wondered how far I could have gone. Texas is a big state. I knew I couldn't go all the way across Texas. Maybe I could make it to Austin? I could! The distance from my place to downtown Austin is 170 miles. I've put in more than that so far and I'll put in quite a few more before this is finished. I think for a reward - when I complete the Half Marathon - I'll take myself to that fair city for a weekend and treat myself to a nice meal and an evening of music. Decision made. Done deal.
That was easy.
Wednesday, December 9, 2009
Another First: A Seven Mile Run
Distance: 7 miles
Start time: 7:17 am
Run Duration: 77 minutes
Average Pace: 11 minutes/mile
Temperature: 56 degrees
Humidity: 60%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I understand that the Midwest and Northeast United States are about to get walloped with a massive winter storm. I'm sorry and I'll be thinking about you as you try to stay warm and safe. I don't miss winter weather one bit. Our weathermen are flapping about like chickens with their heads off. After last weekend's snowy bit they are already squawking about diving temperatures tonight (down to the 30's) and I really have no clue what the upcoming weekend will bring. I was supposed to get in a long run on Sunday and run 3 miles this morning. I had the time today, I was feeling pretty good...
...so I did it! I ran 7 miles and I'm quite happy with myself, if I do say so myself. (insert giggle here)
I was tiring at mile 4, but then something turned over in my brain and I just fell into a zone. Nice morning overall.
If the weather is a mess this weekend, it will be much easier to run 3 than 7.
I'm watching the Channel 2 news as I type this. The weathermen have given way to a Breaking News Alert. There was a chemical plant explosion in Seabrook. Very few details at this time. They're taking phone calls from people who heard or felt the explosion. There is a shelter-in-place order for surrounding communities. It's several miles from me, so I'm not too concerned about my neighborhood, although there is a North wind blowing so I don't know what it may bring this way. I hope everyone is okay. We have so many chemical plants down around the gulf/bay area. It's a scary thing.
I'm lifting a prayer for the safety and well-being of those around that explosion this morning.
Start time: 7:17 am
Run Duration: 77 minutes
Average Pace: 11 minutes/mile
Temperature: 56 degrees
Humidity: 60%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I understand that the Midwest and Northeast United States are about to get walloped with a massive winter storm. I'm sorry and I'll be thinking about you as you try to stay warm and safe. I don't miss winter weather one bit. Our weathermen are flapping about like chickens with their heads off. After last weekend's snowy bit they are already squawking about diving temperatures tonight (down to the 30's) and I really have no clue what the upcoming weekend will bring. I was supposed to get in a long run on Sunday and run 3 miles this morning. I had the time today, I was feeling pretty good...
...so I did it! I ran 7 miles and I'm quite happy with myself, if I do say so myself. (insert giggle here)
I was tiring at mile 4, but then something turned over in my brain and I just fell into a zone. Nice morning overall.
If the weather is a mess this weekend, it will be much easier to run 3 than 7.
I'm watching the Channel 2 news as I type this. The weathermen have given way to a Breaking News Alert. There was a chemical plant explosion in Seabrook. Very few details at this time. They're taking phone calls from people who heard or felt the explosion. There is a shelter-in-place order for surrounding communities. It's several miles from me, so I'm not too concerned about my neighborhood, although there is a North wind blowing so I don't know what it may bring this way. I hope everyone is okay. We have so many chemical plants down around the gulf/bay area. It's a scary thing.
I'm lifting a prayer for the safety and well-being of those around that explosion this morning.
Monday, December 7, 2009
Classical Station
This is not an afternoon for Copeland.
Copeland sweeps and stretches across
the breadth of vistas.
There are no vistas.
There is no reach, no expanse.
It all stops here at this
red light/green light.
The gray and damp mock Copeland
as I turn away from the
tap
tap
on my window.
A man with a wooden leg
God Blesses me as makes his way down the row.
Thank you,
bleak,
knowing,
weeping Jesus,
for the dirge.
It breaks this seemingly interminable move toward cheer
and brings me back to the back and forth
of windshield wipers that have no
business trying to break the pattern of this mist,
a mist that is doing all it can to keep up with maudlin Monday.
Copeland sweeps and stretches across
the breadth of vistas.
There are no vistas.
There is no reach, no expanse.
It all stops here at this
red light/green light.
The gray and damp mock Copeland
as I turn away from the
tap
tap
on my window.
A man with a wooden leg
God Blesses me as makes his way down the row.
Thank you,
bleak,
knowing,
weeping Jesus,
for the dirge.
It breaks this seemingly interminable move toward cheer
and brings me back to the back and forth
of windshield wipers that have no
business trying to break the pattern of this mist,
a mist that is doing all it can to keep up with maudlin Monday.
What Day Is This?
Distance: 4.5 miles
Start time: 5.48 am
Run Duration: 47 minutes
Average Pace: 10.44 minutes/mile
Temperature: 57 degrees
Humidity: 99%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I ran tomorrow's workout today. I didn't realize it until I went to the refrigerator door to place the big red "X" on the schedule. Oh, well. Today was supposed to be an off day. I think all the boxes in my apartment have me disoriented. It looks like I live in a warehouse or something.
I wanted to check out the running group in the Village tomorrow evening anyway. This will give me an opportunity to do that. Everything happens for a reason. The run this morning felt good. Onward!
Start time: 5.48 am
Run Duration: 47 minutes
Average Pace: 10.44 minutes/mile
Temperature: 57 degrees
Humidity: 99%
Location: Memorial Park, Houston, TX
I ran tomorrow's workout today. I didn't realize it until I went to the refrigerator door to place the big red "X" on the schedule. Oh, well. Today was supposed to be an off day. I think all the boxes in my apartment have me disoriented. It looks like I live in a warehouse or something.
I wanted to check out the running group in the Village tomorrow evening anyway. This will give me an opportunity to do that. Everything happens for a reason. The run this morning felt good. Onward!
Saturday, December 5, 2009
Rice Owls 5k Run
Distance: 3.1 miles
Start time: 8:00 am
Run Duration: 31.01 minutes
Average Pace: 10.00 minutes/mile
Temperature: 29 degrees
Humidity: 74%
Location: Rice University Campus, Houston, TX
I didn't know how to dress, so I layered and ended up taking off the windbreaker at mile one. The cap and gloves came off soon after. That left me with running tights, stretch pants, a knit turtleneck I ski in and an Underarmor long-sleeve top. I was fine - as far as temperature goes - for the rest of the race. My asthma bothered me in the cold air, but not too much. More of a nagging cough than anything else.
Let's go back to 6:00 this morning. I was in such a hurry to get out of here because I didn't know if the roads would be icy (they were). I forgot my watch. That will play into my run later. My car doors were frozen shut. My windshield wipers were frozen to my windshield. I have a decent ice scraper but it still took me a good 15 minutes to make sure my car was safe to drive. I made it to the Rice campus and realized I didn't have my watch. Too bad. No way was I going to drive back home. I'd just set my pace at what felt like ten minutes/mile.
The point of this post, for me is:
(More than one point.)
Set your gear out the night before.
It always takes longer to de-ice a car than you think it will.
I've been training at ten minute miles long enough now, I know what they feel like.
I was surprised to see a 5K run in my training schedule - at this point in my training for the half. I think I understand now. I'm not in this for the time, I'm in this for the run. As I typed that I felt a nudge at my metaphorical brain, but I don't want to deal with it at this time. I'll save it for later. It feels too heavy and I'm feeling happy and don't want to deal with heavy right now.
Lifting up my gratitude today for perseverence
Start time: 8:00 am
Run Duration: 31.01 minutes
Average Pace: 10.00 minutes/mile
Temperature: 29 degrees
Humidity: 74%
Location: Rice University Campus, Houston, TX
I didn't know how to dress, so I layered and ended up taking off the windbreaker at mile one. The cap and gloves came off soon after. That left me with running tights, stretch pants, a knit turtleneck I ski in and an Underarmor long-sleeve top. I was fine - as far as temperature goes - for the rest of the race. My asthma bothered me in the cold air, but not too much. More of a nagging cough than anything else.
Let's go back to 6:00 this morning. I was in such a hurry to get out of here because I didn't know if the roads would be icy (they were). I forgot my watch. That will play into my run later. My car doors were frozen shut. My windshield wipers were frozen to my windshield. I have a decent ice scraper but it still took me a good 15 minutes to make sure my car was safe to drive. I made it to the Rice campus and realized I didn't have my watch. Too bad. No way was I going to drive back home. I'd just set my pace at what felt like ten minutes/mile.
The point of this post, for me is:
(More than one point.)
Set your gear out the night before.
It always takes longer to de-ice a car than you think it will.
I've been training at ten minute miles long enough now, I know what they feel like.
I was surprised to see a 5K run in my training schedule - at this point in my training for the half. I think I understand now. I'm not in this for the time, I'm in this for the run. As I typed that I felt a nudge at my metaphorical brain, but I don't want to deal with it at this time. I'll save it for later. It feels too heavy and I'm feeling happy and don't want to deal with heavy right now.
Lifting up my gratitude today for perseverence
Wednesday, December 2, 2009
Cool Running
Distance: 4 miles
Start time: 11:47 am
Run Duration: 42 minutes
Average Pace: 10.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 49 degrees
Humidity: 46%
Location: Hermann Park, Houston, TX
Chilly! Windy!
I packed boxes all morning and thought I'd better hit the running trail before I was too worn out to run. I used my new Spi Belt today. Love it! My keys didn't bounce around and my hands were free. I don't know why I didn't buy one sooner.
The weather is supposed to turn really bad later in the week. Snow is predicted for Friday night and I have a race to run Saturday morning. It's at the Rice University campus, with parking right at the stadium, so that's a good thing. I'm confident in my driving skills on icy streets and it will be early in the morning, so hopefully traffic won't be an issue. We'll see what happens.
I'm over 3/4 packed and am more excited than ever about my new place. Onward and upward.
Start time: 11:47 am
Run Duration: 42 minutes
Average Pace: 10.5 minutes/mile
Temperature: 49 degrees
Humidity: 46%
Location: Hermann Park, Houston, TX
Chilly! Windy!
I packed boxes all morning and thought I'd better hit the running trail before I was too worn out to run. I used my new Spi Belt today. Love it! My keys didn't bounce around and my hands were free. I don't know why I didn't buy one sooner.
The weather is supposed to turn really bad later in the week. Snow is predicted for Friday night and I have a race to run Saturday morning. It's at the Rice University campus, with parking right at the stadium, so that's a good thing. I'm confident in my driving skills on icy streets and it will be early in the morning, so hopefully traffic won't be an issue. We'll see what happens.
I'm over 3/4 packed and am more excited than ever about my new place. Onward and upward.
Tuesday, December 1, 2009
Treadmill Tuesday
Distance: 2 miles
Start time: 4:30 pm
Run Duration: 20 minutes
Average Pace: 10.0 minutes/mile
Temperature: 85 degrees (Oh. My. God.)
Humidity: No clue. Wasn't going to stick around and figure it out.
Location: The hell known as my apartment complex
The rain is here. I knew it would be. My training schedule is forgiving and I'm allowed to switch days. Wednesday is supposed to be two miles, Tuesday four. I actually thought I could get in four on the treadmill. No way could I stick it out in that heater. Whew! After two miles I'm soaked through and thinking I better get out into the fresh air before I pass out and become a story on the six-o-clock news.
I'll get to the park tomorrow. My legs didn't really enjoy that treadmill anyway. Or Oprah talking on the TV. I'm beginning to see why people just hang their clothes on those things and don't exercise. Outdoors for me.
Start time: 4:30 pm
Run Duration: 20 minutes
Average Pace: 10.0 minutes/mile
Temperature: 85 degrees (Oh. My. God.)
Humidity: No clue. Wasn't going to stick around and figure it out.
Location: The hell known as my apartment complex
The rain is here. I knew it would be. My training schedule is forgiving and I'm allowed to switch days. Wednesday is supposed to be two miles, Tuesday four. I actually thought I could get in four on the treadmill. No way could I stick it out in that heater. Whew! After two miles I'm soaked through and thinking I better get out into the fresh air before I pass out and become a story on the six-o-clock news.
I'll get to the park tomorrow. My legs didn't really enjoy that treadmill anyway. Or Oprah talking on the TV. I'm beginning to see why people just hang their clothes on those things and don't exercise. Outdoors for me.
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